Multidisciplinary Undergraduate and Graduate Research Training Under Guidance of Leading Faculty Mentors

Students in the MOST program work with world-class faculty, use cutting-edge technology and explore new directions from the bench to the bedside. Participants gain valuable experience not only conducting laboratory research but also improving planning and presentation skills. Students get mentorship in preparing abstracts for scientific meetings and literature review, and learn new laboratory techniques.

Annette Merkel, DMD/PhD candidate
Mentor: Dr. Anne George
Research Project: in Development
Previous Degree: B.S. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Joshua Padovano, DMD/PhD candidate
Mentor: Dr. Anne George
Research Project: Characterize DMP1 overexpression effects on endochondral and intramembranous bone development in a mouse model
Previous Degree: B.S. Bioengineering University of Illinois at Chicago

Russell P. Pesavento, DDS, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Mentor: Michael Johnson, College of Pharmacy
Research: Dual Project: Mechanistic study on VraS inhibitors in MRSA strains / Development of Lanthanide based Antimicrobial Agents for the Oral Cavity
Previous Degrees: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, PhD (Chemistry); University of Iowa College of Dentistry, DDS; University of Evansville, BA

Elizabeth Michalczyk, DMD/PhD candidate
Mentor: Dr. Luisa DiPietro
Research Project: The Role of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor as a Regulator of Wound Angiogenesis and Collagen Content Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology

The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry is a worldwide leader in oral health education, clinical care and research that is patient-centered and evidence-based, with a foundation in preventive and public health sciences. We are a part of UI Health.